16ga.com ~ View topic - Anyone have experience with Hevi-Shot?

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Saint Paul, MN

Has anyone tried this stuff? As difficult as it is getting to find Kent tungsten matrix, I was thing about giving Hevi-Shot a try... Cabela's seems to have a 1 1/4 oz load...

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Ammunition/Shotgun-Ammunition|/pc/104792580/c/104691780/sc/104567580/HEVI-SHOT174-Sub-Gauge-Waterfowl-and-Upland-Shotshells/1310280.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-ammunition-shotgun-ammunition%2F_%2FN-1100191%2B4294751414%2FNe-4294751414%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104567580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104792580%253Bcat104691780%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat104691780%3Bcat104567580

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3178 Location: NCWa

A friend of mine shoots everything from 410-12; & reloads all the lead shots, however since he shoots so little of Hevi-Shot he just gets factory loads for No-Tox(basically waterfowl). He is very pleased with Hevi-Shot, with the qualification that it is harder than steel so is not for fixed-choke guns.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I have used the new Hevi-shot 1 1/4 version, killed two pheasants with it.
Hardly any kind of test, but it sure worked on those two. Satified with penetration, but both were pretty close shots, so even steel would have.

As far as reloading it, it is a bit on the difficult side (especially with 16 components) to get something I was happy with. When Nice Shot came out, quit using it, no need, waaaaayyyyy easier to load, and works just like lead.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

"As far as reloading it, it is a bit on the difficult side (especially with 16 components) to get something I was happy with. When Nice Shot came out, quit using it, no need, waaaaayyyyy easier to load, and works just like lead."

x2, what Hootch wrote...+ IMO don't ignore steel >1450fps it works well for me out to ~25+yrds, send the steel short and the Nice long, just gotta spend some pellet size/choke tube/pattern board time to dial in the most effective combo.

if buying off the rack online try;

http://neweraammunition.com/index.php?page=non-toxic

http://www.sportingammo.com/

Hope this helps, good luck

I have been reloading it since it first came out, plus a few of the other Non Tox types. HeviShot is is of my favorites. Reaches out there, plus you can drop a size or two. More pellets! Heavier then lead. Can't use tighter then a modified choke but it patterns tight, so it ends up being the same as a full pattern. I use my progressive press but hand weigh and hand load the shot for this and ALL my other Non Tox, including the Bismuth shot types. Wife and I never worry if it is a Non Tox area as we have not carried lead in the field for a very long time. Makes life a lot easier. : )

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Saint Paul, MN

I'm getting the idea from you'all that is heavier that lead and harder than steel means that it would be hard on my standard 16 belgian barrel (even if it is IC choked). Or would I be ok given the more open choke?

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Saint Paul, MN

I'm getting the idea from you'all that is heavier that lead and harder than steel means that it would be hard on my standard 16 belgian barrel (even if it is IC choked). Or would I be ok given the more open choke?

If your choke is modified or lighter you should be fine. Factory loads SHOULD come with the correct wad to protect your barrel. That being said, I use standard wads and have not seen any signs of contact.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I wouldn't run hevi-shot through any of my Belgians or Parkers etc.
Use the nice shot.

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Saint Paul, MN

I seem to remember that Kent made a 1 1/4 oz tungsten matrix load. However, I can't seem to find any reference to it on their website. Am I wrong?

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

Yes they did. I have a box or two, but I prefer the 1 1/16 load.
Not sure if they continue to manf it.

Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Saint Paul, MN

Thanks everyone. Since I don't reload, I have been looking at the pre-rolled options:

1. 1 1/16 oz tungsten matrix by Kent $28.88 per 10
2. 1 1/8 oz by Nice Shot $27.10 per 10
3. 1 1/4 oz by Hevi Shot $38.99 per 10

Now I have to admit that shipping costs, add to these prices substantially (in other words... you don't want to buy just a box of this stuff). My inclination is to go with Nice Shot (added benefit is more shot size options 4, 5, 6).

Thoughts?

ps... I appreciate all the reloading suggestions and info. Very tempting.

My only experience with Hevi-shot has been in turkey loads for 12 gauge and 20. It is mishapen and not uniform in size. The other two choices are uniform in size. Probably doesn't make any difference to the bird, but it's a consideration. The other two are also easier on older barrels.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

Kent or the Nice Shot, either one, you won't be disappointed.

I reload #4 hevi shot, 11/8 oz with BP VP80 wads, blue dot or steel for powder, mostly for canada geese, specs and mallards. Its a hammer for sure, only use it in my citori and bps, the Fair I use bismuth and nice shot.
Nice shot is expensive but normal target wads work well.
Pretty much can't buy factory 16ga non-toxi up here had to take up reloading.
you can always order in some if plenty time befor the season.